Worcester Magazine
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Worcester Magazine is a weekly guide to arts, entertainment in Central Mass., available online at WorcesterMag.com and in print Fridays in the T&G.
"I think everyone is looking for a place to find their joy. Holidays are a good source for that," said Tony Award-winner Matt Doyle, who will be performing a concert, "Make the Season Bright" on Dec. 10 as part of the Broadway in Worcester series at the BrickBox Theater at the JMAC.
Plenty of holiday concerts and shows will take the stage right after Thanksgiving
"A place to find their joy" — Plenty of holiday concerts and shows will take the stage right after Thanksgiving.
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November 26, 2025 at 7:58 PM
"I think everyone is looking for a place to find their joy. Holidays are a good source for that," said Tony Award-winner Matt Doyle, who will be performing a concert, "Make the Season Bright" on Dec. 10 as part of the Broadway in Worcester series at the BrickBox Theater at the JMAC.
A few things to do in the Worcester area in the week ahead ....
Things to Do: Mo Rocca, 'Home for the Holidays,' blues duo and more
A few things to do in the Worcester area in the week ahead ...
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November 26, 2025 at 6:57 PM
A few things to do in the Worcester area in the week ahead ....
"For Lester, singing has become a passion, one that provides a moment of sanctuary from worries, such as for family and friends in Jamaica, where the western part of the island sustained deaths and heavy damage during Hurricane Melissa. struck on Oct. 28."
Lifting her voice: QCC student Ashley Lester shares strength, inspiration in song
In this week's Last Call: Ashley Lester talks about a goal to bring strength to her community in Jamaica, and finding her own strength in singing.
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November 26, 2025 at 4:08 PM
"For Lester, singing has become a passion, one that provides a moment of sanctuary from worries, such as for family and friends in Jamaica, where the western part of the island sustained deaths and heavy damage during Hurricane Melissa. struck on Oct. 28."
"By all accounts, reptile species, both native and nonnative, have a large, and growing fan base. But this interest and admiration doesn't always translate into humane treatment. Some are kept illegally, defying state laws and restrictions around both native and non-native species."
Charles the alligator and Goose the water monitor show reptiles need respect
Reptiles are more loved than ever. But as Goose and Charles show, true love means respecting restrictions on ownership, and learning about proper care.
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November 25, 2025 at 7:34 PM
"By all accounts, reptile species, both native and nonnative, have a large, and growing fan base. But this interest and admiration doesn't always translate into humane treatment. Some are kept illegally, defying state laws and restrictions around both native and non-native species."
"I often find myself reprising the role of 'Quirky Sister' as I gear up for jewelry classes at the Worcester Center for Crafts. Yes, I’ve become a real metalhead of late. Earrings, necklaces, ornaments — you name it, I’ll hammer it. I find the whole process very therapeutic."
'I'm making jewelry now!' — Worcester Center for Crafts offers classes
Writes Sarah Connell Sanders, "Yes, I’ve become a real metalhead of late. Earrings, necklaces, ornaments — you name it, I’ll hammer it."
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November 25, 2025 at 5:40 PM
"I often find myself reprising the role of 'Quirky Sister' as I gear up for jewelry classes at the Worcester Center for Crafts. Yes, I’ve become a real metalhead of late. Earrings, necklaces, ornaments — you name it, I’ll hammer it. I find the whole process very therapeutic."
“Scratch pastries and sweets are fresh daily and help set us apart from competition,” said Diehl. Carrot cake, classic chocolate whoppie pies and quiche are among “customer favs,” she said. For the 10th anniversary celebration last month, customers were treated to Diehl’s lemon butter pumpkin cake.
Celebrating 10 years: Scratch pastries and other treats key to Sweets & Java's success
Sweets & Java in Holden is a woman-owned business that has survived and thrived, even in the age of coffee chain domination.
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November 25, 2025 at 4:39 PM
“Scratch pastries and sweets are fresh daily and help set us apart from competition,” said Diehl. Carrot cake, classic chocolate whoppie pies and quiche are among “customer favs,” she said. For the 10th anniversary celebration last month, customers were treated to Diehl’s lemon butter pumpkin cake.
"Thanks to a recent grant from the Mass. Department of Agriculture, the farm started building a creamery, endeavoring to make butter and cheeses to supply those flocking to its wildly popular brewery, kitchen and barbeque pit."
Stone Cow Brewery preps for ancient pairing, as its dairy farm begins making cheese
Thanks to a recent grant, Stone Cow Brewery started building a creamery, endeavoring to make butter and cheeses.
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November 24, 2025 at 9:48 PM
"Thanks to a recent grant from the Mass. Department of Agriculture, the farm started building a creamery, endeavoring to make butter and cheeses to supply those flocking to its wildly popular brewery, kitchen and barbeque pit."
A look at what customers at Annie's Book Stop are reading ...
Selections from what customers at Annie's Book Stop are reading
Selections from what customers at Annie's Book Stop are reading.
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November 24, 2025 at 7:45 PM
A look at what customers at Annie's Book Stop are reading ...
"It's an animal blood donor program for dogs and cats, and essentially, dogs and cats are volunteered by their owners to come and give blood, to save other pets in need, that need transfusions," said Timothy.
Veterinary blood banks facing shortage. Your dog could help.
Tufts' Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine maintains a blood bank, but they and other veterinary blood banks are facing shortages.
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November 24, 2025 at 5:52 PM
"It's an animal blood donor program for dogs and cats, and essentially, dogs and cats are volunteered by their owners to come and give blood, to save other pets in need, that need transfusions," said Timothy.
USA Today put out its list of favorite dive bars around the country, and VIncent's made the list! (There was also a Northeast regional list, which is online, that included both Vincent's and the Hotel Vernon.)
Best dive bars in America? Locally loved spots worth the road trip
From a tiki treasure to a tiny tavern, consider this your road map to America's most beloved dive bars.
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November 24, 2025 at 5:01 PM
USA Today put out its list of favorite dive bars around the country, and VIncent's made the list! (There was also a Northeast regional list, which is online, that included both Vincent's and the Hotel Vernon.)
"Volunteer groups, charities and mutual aid organizations across the Worcester area say they need all the help they can get in order to combat hunger."
Gift of Giving: Battle over SNAP reveals deep need to fight food insecurity
The battle over SNAP has put food insecurity in focus. In this year's Gift of Giving, community orgs share how to help.
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November 21, 2025 at 11:14 PM
"Volunteer groups, charities and mutual aid organizations across the Worcester area say they need all the help they can get in order to combat hunger."
"Mosley recently spoke about his journey within the fire department, changes in firefighting and emergency response, and balancing the pride of a job well done with compassion when an emergency scene might present the darkest hour of someone's life."
William Mosley, deputy fire chief talks fire-fighting and career change
Fire Deputy Chief William Mosley talks about the evolution of firefighting, and his quest to promote it as a career path for people of color.
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November 19, 2025 at 8:56 PM
"Mosley recently spoke about his journey within the fire department, changes in firefighting and emergency response, and balancing the pride of a job well done with compassion when an emergency scene might present the darkest hour of someone's life."
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra coming to the DCU Center the Saturday after Thanksgiving has also become a Worcester holiday tradition over the years. "It's been an annual stop," Plate said.
'A tradition' – Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to DCU with 'Ghosts of Christmas Past'
"A tradition" – Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to DCU Center with "Ghosts of Christmas Past."
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November 19, 2025 at 7:45 PM
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra coming to the DCU Center the Saturday after Thanksgiving has also become a Worcester holiday tradition over the years. "It's been an annual stop," Plate said.
“It’s a very heavy and somber event because the gathering is to remember and honor the lives of trans folks lost to violence,” Croke said. “It also felt good to be in community. I think collective grief is powerful and important.”
'Collective grief is powerful': Different setting, atmosphere at Trans Day of Remembrance
This year's Trans Day of Remembrance vigil was held Nov. 16 at the White Room on Green Street.
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November 18, 2025 at 9:35 PM
“It’s a very heavy and somber event because the gathering is to remember and honor the lives of trans folks lost to violence,” Croke said. “It also felt good to be in community. I think collective grief is powerful and important.”
“It's crazy to see how many people came together to either vote for us or vote for our friends in other bands. It was cool to see everyone come together, and it was a great way to give these local artists exposure,” Rickert said.
Digital Battle of the Bands runners up Evil Felipe relish community support for musicians
Evil Felipe came in second place in Worcester Magazine's first-ever Digital Battle of the Bands, behind rapper/musician Big Nate All Star.
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November 18, 2025 at 7:51 PM
“It's crazy to see how many people came together to either vote for us or vote for our friends in other bands. It was cool to see everyone come together, and it was a great way to give these local artists exposure,” Rickert said.
“I’ve got people behind me who help me out,” says Nelson, in a phone discussion before the final round of Worcester Magazine’s Digital Battle of the Bands, where he eventually triumphed over the other finalists, Central Mass. punk favorites Evil Felipe.
And the winner is ... Big Nate Allstar triumphs in WoMag's Digital Battle of the Bands
After four rounds, Worcester rapper and musician Big Nate Allstar triumphed in Worcester Magazine's first ever digital battle of the bands!
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November 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
“I’ve got people behind me who help me out,” says Nelson, in a phone discussion before the final round of Worcester Magazine’s Digital Battle of the Bands, where he eventually triumphed over the other finalists, Central Mass. punk favorites Evil Felipe.
After three rounds of brutal bracketed band-on-band combat, two titanic Worcester musical acts are left standing at the end of Worcester Magazine's Digital Battle of the Bands: Rapper/musician Big Nate Allstar, and rockers Evil Felipe!
The final showdown! Big Nate Allstar, Evil Felipe square off in Battle of the Bands finale
Big Nate Allstar and Evil Felipe are the final musical titans standing in WoMag's Digital Battle of the Bands. Vote now for your favorite!
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November 10, 2025 at 5:14 PM
After three rounds of brutal bracketed band-on-band combat, two titanic Worcester musical acts are left standing at the end of Worcester Magazine's Digital Battle of the Bands: Rapper/musician Big Nate Allstar, and rockers Evil Felipe!
The orchestra's music director, Cristian Măcelaru, will conduct a scintillating-sounding all-French program including two works by composer Maurice Ravel to celebrate his 150th birthday this year. The guest piano soloist is Grammy Award-winner Daniil Trifonov.
Exploring the 'French sound' —Orchestre National de France set Mechanics Hall
"It's an important tour for us" — Orchestre National de France begins first U.S. tour in nearly 10 years at Mechanics Hall.
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October 31, 2025 at 3:48 PM
The orchestra's music director, Cristian Măcelaru, will conduct a scintillating-sounding all-French program including two works by composer Maurice Ravel to celebrate his 150th birthday this year. The guest piano soloist is Grammy Award-winner Daniil Trifonov.
A few things to do in the Worcester area in the week ahead ...
Things to Do: Sapling at Electric Haze, Duo Pianos at Tuckerman Hall, and more ...
A few things to do in the Worcester area in the week ahead ....
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October 30, 2025 at 9:12 PM
A few things to do in the Worcester area in the week ahead ...
“We were the first horror Halloween theme park in America. There was no book to follow, no instruction manual,” Spooky World founder David Bertolino said. “We got an opportunity to form a story, and (the film) has a heart to it. It really has a pulse.”
'Lights, camera, BOO!' — Spooky World lives (?) again in 'Spooktacular' new documentary
The documentary “Spooktacular: Behind the Screams of America’s Original Horror Theme Park,” tells the Spooky World story.
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October 30, 2025 at 4:29 PM
“We were the first horror Halloween theme park in America. There was no book to follow, no instruction manual,” Spooky World founder David Bertolino said. “We got an opportunity to form a story, and (the film) has a heart to it. It really has a pulse.”
"It's been going really great. The audiences have been great," Broadard said. And with the show close to her hometown of Worcester, "I've been able to live at home and commute back and forth, which is really lovely."
Not throwing away her shot: Worcester's Taylor Broadard in national tour of 'Hamilton'
"It's always relevant" —Worcester's Taylor Broadard is in national tour of hit musical "Hamilton" now in Boston.
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October 29, 2025 at 9:02 PM
"It's been going really great. The audiences have been great," Broadard said. And with the show close to her hometown of Worcester, "I've been able to live at home and commute back and forth, which is really lovely."
"It's as New England as foliage-finding: our cemeteries are cool, from the spare, simple slates of early colonial days, to the florid sentiment of Victorian-era monuments and mausoleums."
Worcesteria: Grave watchers, walk quietly and respectfully
Cemetery tour guide Caroline Bigelow says, "You are a guest in their home. They enjoy having visitors who are pleasant and respectful."
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October 29, 2025 at 8:58 PM
"It's as New England as foliage-finding: our cemeteries are cool, from the spare, simple slates of early colonial days, to the florid sentiment of Victorian-era monuments and mausoleums."
"Sometimes, driving along a busy road, a place of sanctuary can emerge. So it is with Berlin Meadows, located off Pleasant Street in Berlin, and connecting with Sawyer Hill conservation area. During afternoon or morning traffic, it might be easy to miss, but if you visit, impossible to forget."
Autumnal hues, mysterious trails await at Berlin Meadows
Worcester Walks: Berlin Meadows offers hiking trails, and a haven for humans and wildlife.
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October 22, 2025 at 7:21 PM
"Sometimes, driving along a busy road, a place of sanctuary can emerge. So it is with Berlin Meadows, located off Pleasant Street in Berlin, and connecting with Sawyer Hill conservation area. During afternoon or morning traffic, it might be easy to miss, but if you visit, impossible to forget."
"A lifelong dancer, Dolores Sweet decided to explore the world of burlesque about two years ago, at Harley's Funhouse. She recently talked about the upcoming event, and the joy and support within the burlesque community.
Burlesque stars to bring the glam at Cannery Hall show
Dolores Sweet entered the world of burlesque performance two years ago, and will present the first-ever burlesque show at Cannery Hall.
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October 22, 2025 at 3:58 PM
"A lifelong dancer, Dolores Sweet decided to explore the world of burlesque about two years ago, at Harley's Funhouse. She recently talked about the upcoming event, and the joy and support within the burlesque community.
This week in Listen Up, recent music by A Day Without Love and Justin Arena ...
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October 22, 2025 at 3:23 PM
This week in Listen Up, recent music by A Day Without Love and Justin Arena ...